How Many Controllers Do You Need for Mario Party Superstars?
The short answer is: For local multiplayer on a single Nintendo Switch, you need one controller per player, up to a maximum of four players. This means if you have four people ready to party, you’ll need four controllers. Each player can use a single Joy-Con controller, a Pro Controller, or even a GameCube controller (with the appropriate adapter).
Diving Deeper into Controller Options for Mario Party Superstars
Mario Party Superstars is a fantastic game that brings back the classic board game experience, and the good news is it offers flexible controller options. Unlike some previous iterations, it isn’t locked to just one type of controller. This opens up the possibilities, making it easier to gather your friends and get the party started!
Single System Multiplayer
The core experience of Mario Party Superstars is its local multiplayer mode. Up to four players can compete on a single Nintendo Switch system, and the controller requirements are straightforward: one controller for each player. You have several options here:
- Joy-Cons: Each Joy-Con can be used independently as a single controller. This means a standard set of Joy-Cons that comes with the Nintendo Switch is enough for two players. For three or four players, you’ll need additional Joy-Cons.
- Pro Controllers: Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers are a popular choice for their comfortable grip and precise controls. Each Pro Controller counts as a single controller for a player.
- GameCube Controllers: For those who want a nostalgic experience, GameCube controllers are compatible with Mario Party Superstars via an adapter. Each GameCube controller with the adapter counts as a single controller.
The beauty here is choice. You can mix and match! Two players can use Joy-Cons, while another uses a Pro Controller. As long as each player has a dedicated controller, you’re good to go.
Important Considerations
- Motion Controls: Mario Party Superstars wisely avoids motion-control minigames. This means you don’t need Joy-Cons specifically for their motion capabilities. Any of the compatible controllers will work equally well.
- Controller Health: Be warned, some minigames involve frantic button mashing and joystick rotating. You might want to use a controller you don’t mind putting through some intense action, especially for longer play sessions.
- Online Multiplayer: While local multiplayer requires a controller for each player, online multiplayer relies on each player having their own Nintendo Switch system and a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Each player then connects their own controller to their individual console.
- Toad’s Rec Room: This mode, available in Super Mario Party, allows you to play games across multiple screens using two Nintendo Switch systems and two copies of the game. However, this feature is not available in Mario Party Superstars.
Beyond Four Players
If you’re looking to get more than four players involved, you’ll need to use multiple Nintendo Switch consoles. Mario Party Superstars does not natively support more than four players on a single console. To accommodate a larger group, each set of four players will require their own Switch and copy of the game, and you can then coordinate a larger, multi-console Mario Party experience.
Mario Party Superstars FAQs: Controller Conundrums Solved
Here are some frequently asked questions to address any lingering controller concerns you might have:
Q1: Can you play 4 players on Mario Party Superstars?
A: Yes! Mario Party Superstars supports up to four players locally on a single Nintendo Switch system. Simply select the number of players and connect a controller for each person.
Q2: Can you play 4 player Mario Party Superstars with 2 Joycons?
A: Yes, but. Each individual Joy-Con can be used as a separate controller. So, a single pair of Joy-Cons can support two players. To play with four players, you’ll need two sets of Joy-Cons (or another combination of compatible controllers).
Q3: Can you play Mario Party Superstars with Pro Controllers?
A: Absolutely! Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers are fully compatible with Mario Party Superstars. Each Pro Controller counts as one controller for a single player.
Q4: Can you play Mario Party Superstars with GameCube controllers?
A: Yes, but you’ll need a GameCube controller adapter to connect them to your Nintendo Switch. Once connected, each GameCube controller counts as one controller for a single player.
Q5: Can you play Mario Party with 3 players and 2 controllers?
A: No. Mario Party Superstars requires one controller per player. If you have three players, you need three controllers.
Q6: How many Joy-Cons do you need for 2 players?
A: You can play with two players using the Joy-Cons that come with the Switch by using each one separately.
Q7: How do I connect more than two Joy-Cons?
A: On the “Change Grip/Order” screen, you can pair up to four controllers. If you need to pair more, go to the HOME Menu “Controllers” screen, and press any button on each additional controller to pair it.
Q8: Do you need Joy-Cons for Mario Party Superstars?
A: No, you don’t need Joy-Cons specifically. You can use any compatible controller, including Pro Controllers and GameCube controllers (with an adapter).
Q9: How many controllers for 4 player Mario Party Superstars?
A: Each player needs one controller. So, for a four-player game, you’ll need four controllers.
Q10: Is Mario Party Superstars Joy-Con only?
A: No! Mario Party Superstars is not Joy-Con only. This is a significant improvement over its predecessor, Super Mario Party, which did heavily emphasize Joy-Con controls.
Q11: How do you get more than 4 players on Mario Party Superstars?
A: You’ll need multiple Nintendo Switch consoles and copies of the game. Each console can support up to four players.
Q12: How many controllers can you connect to a Switch?
A: You can connect up to 8 controllers to a single Nintendo Switch, but Mario Party Superstars only supports a maximum of four players on one console.
Q13: Can you play Mario Party Superstars with one Joy-Con?
A: Yes, but only as a single player, or as one of two players utilizing one Joy-Con each.
Q14: How to play Mario Party Superstars with 2 switches?
A: Select “Local Play” after launching the game on both Switches to connect with nearby consoles. Each player will need a separate copy of the game and a Nintendo Switch.
Q15: Do Joy-Cons count as two controllers?
A: Yes, the left and right Joy-Cons each connect as individual controllers. So, a standard pair of Joy-Cons functions as two separate controllers.
Hopefully, this comprehensive guide has cleared up any confusion about controller requirements for Mario Party Superstars. Now, gather your friends, grab your controllers, and get ready for some board game mayhem! Remember, learning through games can be a fun and engaging experience. Check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for more information on the intersection of gaming and education.